Did you know that this is "The Year of the Bat"? Although bats comprise South Africa's second largest group of mammals, they are widely misunderstood and neglected. The truth is that the world's only flying mammals are fascinating creatures. Many bat species render ecosystem services that have hugely positive impacts on us. »More
It was a proud moment for the National Zoo when the Mokopane Biodiversity Conservation Centre and its oxpeckers featured prominently on national television as part of a focus programme on the Mokopane district in Limpopo. Mokopane's Johannes Kubhayi and the oxpeckers behaved like pros, but the stubborn donkey had its own ideas about its performance. »More
When the National Zoo's Primate and Australian Mammal section team saw that the Two-toed Sloths were spending most of their time in their indoor enclosure, only venturing out at times when the temperature was favourable, they decided to spruce up the outdoor enclosure to encourage the animals to spend more time outside. »More
The National Zoo's pair of Cape vultures have never given up on trying to be successful parents. After both birds lost their original partners, they paired up and chose a suitable nesting ledge on the cliff in the vulture enclosure. NZG keepers are now encouraging and supporting the pair to raise their chick. »More
The NZG's Dr Ian Espie saved the day when one of the two Carpet Pythons on display in the National Zoo's Reptile Park bit the other. After the injured snake was treated, it suffered another serious setback. »More
The research will provide valuable information which will influence the conservation strategies for this species in the future. Habitat loss and fragmentation is the single greatest threat to primate populations worldwide, with nearly half of all species listed as vulnerable, endangered or critically endangered. »More
The Biomolecular Genetics Unit at the National Zoo received a lemur sample thought to be that of a Common brown lemur. As the Common brown lemur and Mongoose lemur have similar morphological characteristics, DNA barcoding was used to identify the true species of origin of the sample. »More
Until relatively recently it has been virtually impossible to anaesthetise the common hippopotamus, especially in the wild in their aquatic environment. Hippos were well left alone by wildlife veterinarians until new drug combinations recently became available which are much safer to use on these animals. »More
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Holiday courses!
Why not enrol the kids in one of the fun-filled holiday courses? »
Urban greening
A step-by-step guide to make your own compost. »
Read about global superstar Kelly Clarkson's visit to the National Zoo, as well as news of animals from around the globe. »
Go green tip of the month
Unplug all electricity sappers like appliances, computers and cellphone chargers when not in use. And switch off lights! (From WESSA's booklet "85 Ways to Care for the Earth!")
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